Operations Director

Aurorium; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturing firm is seeking an experienced Operations Director in Pasadena, TX. This role will oversee multiple sites, focusing on delivering production goals through operational excellence. Responsibilities include leading site operations, ensuring product quality and safety, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has over 10 years in production and a strong background in lean manufacturing. This is a full-time position offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a real impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in production, plant maintenance or engineering.
• At least 5 years in a senior chemical manufacturing leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations and site directors for customer demand fulfillment.
• Accountable for P&L for global Specialty Solutions sites.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and delivery.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Project Management

Budgeting and Cost Control

Team Mentoring

SAP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Lean Practitioner / Six Sigma Black Belt

Further education in Business Management

Job description

Join to apply for the Operations Director role at Aurorium

Aurorium is the materials innovation partner that helps global manufacturers harness the power of possibility to make the world a better place. Their specialty ingredients and high-performance materials enhance quality of life, support health and wellness, and enable customers to deliver value-added solutions.

Key industries served:

• Healthcare
• Personal & home care
• Mobility
• Infrastructure
• Paper & packaging

A Responsible Care® company, Aurorium follows the highest regulatory standards across all manufacturing facilities. The company’s global integrated supply chain offers customers product consistency, easy access, supply security, and reasonable turnaround on delivery. Aurorium is committed to operating at the highest levels of manufacturing consistency, quality control, and safety.

Description

The Operations Director is responsible for delivering production and financial goals across the Aurorium Specialty Solutions sites – currently: Greensboro NC, Midlothian TX, Berkeley Heights NJ, Zeeland MI, and Pasadena TX. This role will lead the development of sustainable competitive advantage and operational excellence in safety, quality, delivery and cost, working closely with Specialty Solutions commercial and corporate functional teams.

Accomplishing these objectives will require a highly motivated leader with demonstrated experience in business and cultural transformations, including implementation and continuous improvement of lean manufacturing processes, as well as the development of a highly efficient and effective organization, culture and talent base.

The Operations Director will be part of the Specialty Solutions Leadership team, reporting into the Vice President and General Manager, Specialty Solutions.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership to the individual Site Directors to drive fulfilment of customer demand in a safe manner at optimal levels of quality and cost.
• Accountable for P&L for the global Specialty Solutions sites.
• Serve as the key manufacturing interface and partner cross-functionally with EHS/Compliance, Commercial, Research and Development, Engineering, Procurement, and Global Quality Teams to achieve operational goals and targets, optimizing Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity through continuous improvement tools:
• Safety – Lead the operational culture with safety at the forefront of every business decision.
• Quality – Create and implement sustainable business processes that improve product quality.
• Delivery – Create and implement sustainable processes that meet customer expectations and ensure reliable product shipments.
• Working Capital – Improve the leverage of working capital.
• Cost / Productivity – Lower product costs and operating expenses.
• Organizational Development – Develop a highly productive and efficient structure and talent base.
• Partner with R&D and marketing to lead the operational aspects of new product development, launches, product transfers, etc.
• Drive and champion a culture of continuous improvement at the sites; leverage predictive and reliability maintenance processes and tools to achieve optimal performance in safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Create an organizational culture where daily management and continuous process improvement are fully embraced.
• Lead monthly Operations Reviews with site leaders, providing guidance for strategy, business initiatives and action plans. Identify synergies between the sites and develop action plans to gain competitive advantage.
• Lead and develop a team of Site Directors, Value Stream Managers, Supply Chain Leaders and Engineering Professionals, focusing on skills development, engagement, and performance management.
• Establish optimal organizational structures to deliver performance improvement, including succession plans for key positions.

Compliance

• Complies with company Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures and arrangements.
• Reports all Health, Safety and Environmental accidents, incidents and near misses promptly.
• Acts in a safe and responsible manner at all times.

Problem Solving And Innovation

• Active participation within continuous improvement activities.
• Participates in problem solving.
• Takes responsibility and ownership for own learning and development.
• Assists in training, mentoring and assessment of other team members.
• Exercises autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance.

Education And Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong leadership, coaching, communication and planning skills.
• Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Lean Practitioner / Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Further education in Business Management or related/equivalent experience preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years in production, plant maintenance or engineering, with at least five (5) years in a senior chemical manufacturing leadership, multi-site role.
• Experience working within PSM / RMP / GMP / Food or other equivalent regulatory framework required.

Skills

• Experience driving process improvement and cultural change across multiple production sites.
• Track record of successful implementation of Lean/Six Sigma manufacturing tools.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems promptly; analyzes technical data and proposals.
• Project Management: Manages multiple projects and tasks; develops project plans; coordinates projects; completes on time and budget.
• Strong team mentoring and staff development; building high performing teams.
• Knowledge of budgeting and cost control techniques; learns software packages quickly; SAP experience preferred.
• Effective leadership with a passion for continuous improvements; data-driven; navigates obstacles and influences for results.
• Strong communication skills; presents complex information across all levels.

Core Values

• Credible: Keeps word, honors commitments, acts with integrity, holds accountable.
• Outcome-oriented: Delivers results with real impact.
• Driven: Passionate about delivering authentic, world-class experiences.
• Empowered accountability: Empowered to achieve common goals and accountable for exceeding standards.

Status: Active

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Chemical Manufacturing